How to eat a Kumquat

The first mention of kumquats in literature dates back to 12th century China. Today, kumquats are cultivated in many countries, including China, Taiwan, Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States, mostly in California and Florida. Kumquats can be found in US markets from mid November to as late as mid June. Kumquats, depending on the species, resemble tiny round or oval oranges, about an inch to 2 inches in length. They have a lovely sweet, yellow-orange to orange or even red outer skin and a zesty, tart inner flesh. These fruits are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber and contain trace amounts of calcium and iron. They are fat, cholesterol and sodium free. Kumquats contain about 100 calories per 8 fruits and make an excellent alternative to the typical American snack food. Kumquats have a variety of culinary uses. They may be candied or pickled, used in kabobs, made into jellies, marmalades and chutney and used as an ingredient in cakes and pies. They add color and flavor when sliced, in salads or as a garnish for either hot or iced tea. Their flavors mingle well with poultry, pork, duck, lamb, fish and seafood. They may be used to flavor liquors and with leaves attached are stunning as a garnish for martinis or as decorations during the winter holiday season. When purchasing kumquats, choose fruits that are firm to the touch, and free of bruises or blemishes. Kumquats can be stored in a plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Kumquats
• Sugar (optional)

1. The most common way to eat a kumquat is whole, as you would eat a grape.
2. Hold the kumquat between your thumb and forefinger and gently roll back and forth several times to release the essential oils in the skin.
3. Cut kumquat Pop into your mouth whole discarding seeds as you would a grape, or bite the stem end off and suck the juices from the fruit. Remove seeds and eat the remaining fruit.
4. Though I favor the preceding technique, some prefer to cut the fruit in half, remove the seeds and then dip the cut side of fruit in sugar before eating.